Genda, Gols bloom, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marybud, and Pot Marigold are names used for Marigold. In Oriya we call it Gendoo. In Hindi it is called Genda phool.
It flowers from July to September. It has a very strong scent. The lower leaves are broad and spatula shaped. Upper leaves may be oblong, are smooth at the edges, and are arranged alternately along the stem. Seeds are crescent to horseshoe shaped with the rough exterior. Its branching stem grows to the height of 30- 60 cm.
In my area i.e. in Orissa it starts blooming in late September and keeps flowering till end of winter. It’s specially used in a festival called ‘Prathamastami’ in which the eldest child is made to wear new dress and this flower also. It’s the special flower for that day.
Marigold is used for stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual period problems, eye infections, inflammations, and for wound healing. It is antiseptic. If the juice of Marigold flower or leaves is rubbed on the affected part, it brings relief in pain and swelling caused by a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds and a water distilled from them is good the sore eyes. The infusion of the freshly gathered flowers is beneficial in fever. Marigold flowers are mostly in demand for children ailment. It has properties for treatment of alopecia. It also helps cure bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine, uterine bleeding.
The Golden bud
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Bright yellow and orange Marigold flowers are known all over India as temple flowers .they are used to make garlands. They are even used to decorate the religious places, functions, and marriage mandaps.
